Frequently Asked On Diabetes

Frequently Asked On Diabetes

Q: Can I include some sweets in my meals?
A: You should avoid commercially available sweets and desserts (especially cakes, pastries, ice-creams, processed cheese, khoa and khoa based products). If your diabetes is well controlled, you can have sweets having non-nutritive sweeteners and low fat products like skimmed milk, with your doctor’s permission.

Q: I have heard that some foods like methi seeds, karela, neem etc., are helpful in Diabetes. Are these foods are really helpful and how can they can be incorporated in the meals?
A: These food items have been shown to be useful. They can be included in meals as:

Methi seeds can be soaked in water overnight and the water can be taken as the first thing in the morning.

Methi seeds powder can be taken as such with water or can be added to wheat flour.

Sprouted methi seeds are less bitter can be taken as such.

Karela seed powder can be taken as such with water, in the morning.

Karela juice can be taken as it is.

Neem leaves can be soaked overnight, and the water can be taken in the morning.

Q: Can I consume alcohol?
A: People with Diabetes are advised to avoid alcohol because;

Alcohol contains “empty” calories (without any significant nutrient), which can lead to weight gain.

Alcohol can interact with drugs and cause nausea and vomiting.

Long-term usage of alcohol can induce liver damage and increase the chances of complications.

Q: Can I include all the fruits in my meal?
A: No. You have to avoid certain fruits like mango, banana, grapes, pineapple and sapota (cheeku), which have a large amount of free sugars.

Q: Can I take potatoes daily?
A: Potato is a rich source of starch. It can be included in the meals in moderate amounts (1 medium size). The form in which potatoes should be consumed is more important. It is better to take boiled, baked, roasted and grilled preparations of potato rather than in the fried form.

Q: Can I include non-vegetarian foods in my meals?
A: Yes, you can take non-vegetarian foods but in moderate amounts. You can include chicken and fish (preferably in baked or grilled form) but avoid red meat (mutton, pork) containing fat.

Q: Can I take rice?
A: Yes. However, rice contains moderate amounts of refined carbohydrates, so it can raise the blood glucose rapidly. Preferably, rice should be taken in boiled form along with vegetables (rich sources of fiber).